Читать книгу Your Wildlife Garden - Jackie Bennett - Страница 10

It is important to keep at least some part of the pond free of ice throughout any cold spells. This not only allows birds and other visitors like foxes to drink but also stops a build-up of gases under the ice. As organic matter decomposes gases are released which, if trapped by a layer of ice, will build up and poison existing pond life. A simple and cheap method of allowing the pond to ‘breathe’ is to float a block of wood on the surface of the water. Then, when the pond freezes remove the wood, leaving a gap. A child’s plastic or foam ball will also prevent ice forming over all the surface, but avoid lurid colours which can scare away potential users.